HM Chapter 30

The skeleton lunging at them was cut down, a piece of white bone buried in the snowy ground. Captain flexed his cold-numbed fingers and expressionlessly looked towards the villa—

Faint lights flickered through the windows.

Curly, with a scowl on his face, kicked away a monster, stomping angrily in the snow, and couldn't help but ask again, “Is the game not over yet?”

Of course, everyone knew Curly wasn't asking about the game but why Yuan Yuxue hadn't returned yet.

Rabbit sighed almost inaudibly, worry and regret surfacing in her eyes.

Leaving Yuan Yuxue, the newbie, to face Andre alone...

It was hard to guarantee nothing would go wrong.

In comparison, their punishment outside the villa was more than just enduring the cold wind; they had to fend off numerous lurking monsters, always at risk of being devoured to the bone. However, because the players were strong, with four of them having awakened abilities, Captain was the first to leave the villa and accept the punishment, significantly reducing the danger level, making it bearable.

So far, there were no casualties, and they were unharmed, but the situation inside the villa remained unclear.

Time seemed to drag on infinitely under the influence of their anxiety. Curly stomped on the snow again, melting the ice underneath into a puddle. Finally, he scowled and said, “I can't wait any longer, I'm going to check...”

Before he could finish, the villa door opened a crack, bright light spilling out. The butler appeared at the door, his black hat securely on his head, his tailcoat impeccably tidy as if freshly pressed. He looked at the players expressionlessly. Just when Curly thought he was going to attack, the butler bowed slightly and removed his hat.

In a voice with a peculiar accent, the butler said, “Honored guests, the game has ended. Master Andre has instructed me to bring you back to the villa. The servants have prepared clean rooms, soft beds, and fresh flowers for you. Please inform the servants of any inconveniences or special requests, and we will accommodate you promptly.”

“??” Curly halted his almost-kicking leg.

The butler had been “polite” since meeting the players, but his initial attitude was mechanically rigid, as if it didn't matter if he was addressing a person or a candlestick, with a subtle hint of malice. Now, however, there was a touch of genuine respect, leaving the players confused.

Rabbit focused on the key point, “The game is over?”

From the butler's information, she raised an incredulous idea, shocked, “The winner is... Yuan Yuxue?”

It wasn't that Rabbit underestimated the newbie, but Andre's cheating-like mind-reading made it hard to imagine a path to victory; anyone winning would surprise her.

The butler bowed slightly, answering respectfully, “Yes, that guest.”

...

When the players returned safely to the villa, they were still in disbelief.

Did they just clear the game?

And were they carried to victory by a newbie?

Even Captain, usually expressionless, showed a very subtle... embarrassment.

He felt a bit flushed.

Curly's face was even redder. When he saw Yuan Yuxue still in the hall, he didn't dare look at him, awkwardly turning away. He only listened intently to the conversation between the other players and Yuan Yuxue.

They almost immediately surrounded the newbie.

Glasses: “Thank you. I owe you again.”

Curly's evaluation: Cold, insincere.

Blackie: “I didn't expect you to beat Andre, that monster NPC. Yuan Yuxue, are you a max-level player on a new account? Does the system offer such a service?”

Curly's snort: Just sucking up, ridiculous.

Rabbit: “This may be presumptuous, but Yuan Yuxue—can you leave a contact? Maybe we can team up in future dungeons.”

Curly: !!

He perked up his ears.

Yuan Yuxue thought for a moment—then took the paper Rabbit handed him and wrote something on it.

Curly, of course, couldn't eavesdrop on such crucial information. He walked over to Rabbit, tapped her shoulder, and looked over as if it were only natural, eyes full of hints.

Rabbit smiled.

Silently mouthing, she said, "Ask yourself."

Curly: “...”

Of course, aside from these trivial conversations, someone couldn't hold back their curiosity and asked Yuan Yuxue how he managed to beat Andre—

Such questions relate to dungeon information and may involve personal abilities, making it precious intel.

The girl in the dress wasn't trying to pry but was too curious to not ask. She quickly realized it wasn't appropriate and was about to change the subject, but Yuan Yuxue calmly and openly explained.

“It’s not mind-reading.” Yuan Yuxue briefly explained Andre’s ability, only omitting specific details.

This realization was somewhat chilling, and the girl gasped, “I didn’t notice at all…”

Rabbit also sighed, not expecting that she had fallen for the same trick three times.

However, being aware meant they wouldn't fall for such cognitive suggestions next time, learning from experience.

Clearing the dungeon, the players felt both mentally and physically relaxed. Even with nothing to do, they lingered around Yuan Yuxue, discussing and talking. Officially, they were sharing more dungeon information and summarizing experiences, but everyone knew it was just an excuse to spend more time with the newbie.

Yuan Yuxue spoke little, only answering when questioned directly. However, he seemed to always listen attentively, occasionally glancing at someone, inadvertently prompting them to show off, like a peacock flaunting its feathers.

Captain watched Curly flaunt and sighed in embarrassment, pulling his teammate back.

“That’s enough for now.”

Captain lowered his eyes, looking cold, “Go rest and wait for the dungeon to end. During this time, stay alert… Well, the chances of anything happening are slim, no need to be too tense. If something happens, I'll notify everyone.”

“We’re all tired. Rest well.”

Though Captain addressed everyone, all eyes instinctively turned to the person who must have been the most exhausted in this dungeon—

Yuan Yuxue lowered his eyes, his striking appearance masking the slight weariness in his expression.

He looked very tired, yet he patiently stayed with them, indulging in trivial conversations.

A strong wave of guilt and shame washed over the players for dragging Yuan Yuxue into their meaningless chatter without considering his condition.

Curly pursed his lips tightly and said gruffly, “It’s very late.”

“I’m going to sleep.” He paused as he turned away, muttering, “Yuan Yuxue. Good night.”

Yuan Yuxue, about to enter standby mode to conserve energy, responded a moment later.

“…Good night.”